Apple has audio headache as Bose sues Beats

Apple could be heading back to court as audio specialist Bose sues Beats over claimed noise-cancelling patent infringements.

With the iPod and iPhone maker having announced plans to acquired Beats earlier this year, in a deal worth more than $3 billion, rival headphone maker Bose has now targeted Beats as its looks to stamp down on unapproved use of its patented technologies.

With Bose claiming Beats has infringed on 36 of its patents and pending patents, covering around 50 years’ worth of development, the company has highlighted the latest Beats Studio and Beats Studio Wireless headphones as two devices which use the same technologies as those found in its QuietComfort range.

As well as seeking financial damages, Bose has filed a petition with the International Trade Commission, requesting a sales ban on certain Beats products.

An official Bose statement regarding the lawsuit read: “The filing is comprehensive and explains our position, and as a matter of practice, we don’t comment on on-going litigation.”

The company added: “We can share that for over 30 years, Bose has made significant investments in the research, development, engineering and design of the proprietary technologies found in our headphones. Bose’s patented technologies enable the exclusive performance found in our QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones.

“We are committed to protecting our investment, protecting our customers, and defending the patents we own.”

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With Apple’s acquisition of Beats expected to be approved in September, neither company has yet offered any formal comment on the lawsuit.

Although not usually surrounding the audio sector, Apple is no stranger to court rooms. The Cupertino-based company has spent years in a legal back and forth with smartphone rival Samsung over multiple patent infringements by both manufacturers.